The ACTUAL NEWS: Friday, December 6th 2024 Recap
First Lady Biden Visits Qatar, November 2024 Jobs Report, Romanian Constitutional Court Cancels Presidential Election, DOGE on Capitol Hill, and More World News
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First Lady Jill Biden Highlights Education and Women’s Health Research During Visit to Qatar
On December 6, First Lady Jill Biden, accompanied by her daughter Ashley Biden and U.S. Ambassador to Qatar Timmy Davis, visited the Qatar Foundation (QF) and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) in Doha. The visit underscored the strong partnership between the United States and Qatar, focusing on shared priorities in education and women’s health research.
Engagement at the Qatar Foundation
Dr. Biden began her day at the Qatar Foundation headquarters, where she was greeted by Dr. Francisco Marmolejo, the foundation's President of Higher Education, and Habes Howail, Manager of Government Partnerships. Walking along the balcony of the foundation’s striking white structure, Dr. Biden took in the expansive “Education City,” a 12-square-kilometer campus housing six U.S. university branch campuses alongside local and global research institutions.
The First Lady was briefed on the Qatar Foundation’s mission to advance education, innovation, and community development. She also attended a session led by Dr. Slim Slama, CEO of the World Innovation Summit for Health, and other medical leaders, discussing women's health research. Notably, Dr. Biden inquired about public hesitations toward health screenings since the pandemic. Dr. Slama confirmed that cultural attitudes and misinformation have contributed to low demand for testing, even prior to COVID-19.
Before departing, Dr. Biden signed the foundation’s guest book, leaving a message of hope: “May we all grow like the Sidra tree as we improve human health, build community, and enrich the world we love and share.”
Visit to Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar
Dr. Biden next toured Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, the first U.S. medical school established outside the United States. Guided by Dr. Javaid Sheikh, the institution’s Dean, she learned about its contributions to precision medicine and women’s health.
In a classroom session, she met with students Kareem Aly and Wadha Al Nabti, who showcased their research. Aly explained his work on robotics to improve surgical camera technology, which Dr. Biden likened to "windshield wipers." Al Nabti shared her research on BRCA gene mutations linked to breast cancer, revealing her personal connection to the issue. Dr. Biden encouraged Al Nabti to educate young women about breast cancer awareness as her next initiative.
The visit also had lighter moments, including a sports exchange with Dr. Roach, Associate Dean for Pre-Medical Education. When he mentioned being a Cowboys fan, Dr. Biden laughed, declaring her loyalty to the Eagles: “Sports is the international language—that’s what I always say.”
Evening Celebrations
Later, Dr. Biden attended a royal family wedding banquet at Al-Wajba Palace, hosted by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, further symbolizing the cultural ties between the U.S. and Qatar.
This visit highlights Dr. Biden’s dedication to advancing education and health initiatives globally, as well as her ongoing advocacy for women’s health research under the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, launched last year.
Statement from President Joe Biden on the November 2024 Jobs Report
America’s comeback continues. Today’s report shows that the economy created 227,000 jobs in November, as Boeing machinists returned to work with record wage gains and hurricane recovery continued. Unemployment of 4.2% is in the same low range of the past seven months. This has been a hard-fought recovery, but we are making progress for working families.
Since I took office, the economy has created more than 16 million jobs, with jobs created every single month. Unemployment has been the lowest on average of any administration in 50 years. Incomes are up almost $4,000 more than prices. While there is more to do to lower costs, we’ve taken action to lower prescription drug prices, health insurance premiums, utility bills, and gas prices that will pay dividends for years to come.
Statement from President Biden on CBO Report on Health Insurance Coverage
Health care should be a right, not a privilege, and every American should be able to access quality affordable coverage. My Administration has worked tirelessly to make it happen, and our plan is working: premiums for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act are more affordable, Medicare and Medicaid are strong, seniors are paying less for prescription drugs, and more Americans have health insurance than ever before in American history.
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office underscores just how critical the legislation to bring down health care costs, enacted under my Administration, have been. Millions of Americans are benefiting from expanded premium tax credits that lower their premiums. If Congress takes that benefit away, premiums will spike and 3.8 million people will become uninsured. That’s simply wrong. The American people don’t deserve to see their health insurance premiums skyrocket. That’s why I’ll continue to call on Congress to continue the Affordable Care Act tax credits, and protect affordable health insurance for millions of Americans.
Statement from President Joe Biden on U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation
As Commander in Chief, I have one solemn responsibility: protect the American people from harm. That’s why, over the last four years, I made beating the opioid epidemic a central focus of my Unity Agenda at home—and my cooperation with world leaders abroad.
Earlier this week, we saw the impact: Mexican security forces seized more than twenty million doses of illicit fentanyl—enough to kill 15 percent of all Americans. I want to thank President Claudia Sheinbaum for her leadership and partnership that made this possible, and the many military and law enforcement officials on both sides of the border who have dedicated their lives to countering fentanyl, disrupting traffickers, and saving their fellow citizens. It matters.
And we won’t let up. Under my Administration, we have seized more fentanyl at our border in the last two years, than the previous five years combined. We’ve put dozens of major cartel leaders and money launderers behind bars. And latest data shows over a 14 percent drop in overdose deaths across the nation—that’s the largest decrease on record.
These aren’t just facts and figures. They are families. Families who don’t have to bear the loss of a child, or parent, or spouse. So today, with partners around the world—including Mexico—we vow to double down on our work to size more drugs. To stop more traffickers. To save more lives. And to make it clear: enough is enough.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Set to Save $8B in Estate Taxes Through Trusts and Foundations
According to a New York Times analysis, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, the US’ 10th-richest person, will save $8B on his estate taxes by routing his wealth through a series of trusts and foundations.
Huang’s estate is required by law to pay 40% of his $127 billion net worth in estate taxes, a measure introduced in the early 20th century to curb dynastic wealth. However, legal loopholes and an underfunded IRS have weakened enforcement, turning the estate tax into a guideline rather than a rule. Last year, proper enforcement could have generated $120 billion—more than triple the federal funding for cancer and Alzheimer’s research, according to NYT.
Meanwhile, the frontrunners of “DOGE,” Musk and Ramaswamy, promised to “consider anything” in their efforts to cut federal spending. Perhaps enforcing existing tax laws would be a good idea.
Speaker Johnson issued an update on the latest changes amid the presidential transition.
U.S. Focus on Arctic Security Amid Growing China-Russia Cooperation
The Arctic strategic environment is changing profoundly, and the United States must pay greater attention and dedicate more resources to this crucial area, said Iris A. Ferguson, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Arctic and Global Resilience.
Ferguson addressed the increased attention that the People's Republic of China has in the Arctic. She spoke at the Center for Strategic and International Studies today.
China is, by no means, an Arctic nation. However, Chinese leaders see the region as a new crossroads of the world, a new source of raw materials, and new avenues for manifesting its growing power.
China is working closely with Russia in its attempt to be seen as an Arctic power, Ferguson said. Even with Russia's unjust war on Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin is investing heavily in military and economic strategies in the Arctic.
"We're seeing Russia continue to have immense focus on the Arctic region, and it's part of their … security calculus, vis-a-vis the U.S. and NATO," Ferguson said. "Despite the attrition in Ukraine, we still see them ... heavily focused on the region."
A shifting climate is speeding the pace of change in the region. "Climate change is still a factor in the region, where the region warms at some four times the rate of the rest of the world," she said. This means more access for settlements in the high North and more chances for what she calls "competitor activity."
"[China] is one of the newer entrants on the scene," Ferguson said. "Over time, the strategic interests that they have in the region are … giving us pause. How their long-term vision for the region could affect our interests, is [also] giving us pause."
Even more disturbing is the increasing levels of collaboration between Russia and China, especially in the military domain, she said. Russia and China exercised together in the Bering Strait in the summer of 2023. "Just this past summer, right after we released our department [Arctic] strategy, we saw a joint bomber patrol off of the coast of Alaska."
There has also been increasing cooperation between the Chinese and Russian coast guards in the region. "This kind of increasing levels of military cooperation is new," she said. "Certainly, it's new within and around Alaska."
The new DOD Arctic strategy is aimed at preserving the region as a place that is both stable and secure, Ferguson said. She also discussed the Defense Department's three main lines of effort in the region. The first is enhancing domain awareness to see and detect threats, and to ensure U.S. forces can operate in the region effectively.
"We're also really focused on engaging with our allies and partners," she said. These nations are a unique U.S. strategic advantage that stretches from the border of European Russia to the Bering Strait. These are "seven like-minded partners that are incredibly militarily capable and also have heavy geostrategic alignment with us," she said.
Finally, the United States is working on using military exercises in the region. "We've long had exercises that operate in the region, but we're really looking at how we can use those as a deterrent effect, working alongside our allies and partners," she said.
There's an evolution in how competitors think about the region, Ferguson said. "We're going to continue on the DOD side to monitor military activity."
But this attention cannot be just limited to that. The Chinese are using other aspects of their national power to insinuate themselves into the region. China is involved in scientific and research projects in the region. China is looking to establish economic ties within the Arctic. "We really just need to be clear-eyed about some of their intentions and how we can be thinking about their long-term interests and how we can best protect ours," Ferguson said.
CSpO Initiative Celebrates 10 Years of Promoting Responsible Space Operations
Florence, Italy – From December 3-5, 2024, senior representatives from 11 nations—Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States—gathered for the annual Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative Principals' Board meeting. Marking the initiative's ten-year anniversary, the Principals discussed the importance of safeguarding the responsible and lawful use of space in the face of evolving threats and opportunities.
A Decade of Collaboration
Since its founding, the CSpO Initiative has fostered international collaboration to address rapidly changing challenges in the space sector. Space technologies, now integral to global economies, research, transportation, emergency services, and defense, support critical services such as weather forecasting, humanitarian aid delivery, and global communications. The meeting underscored how space systems underpin both daily life and national security.
Addressing Space Threats
The Principals exchanged views on threats to the freedom of access to and use of space, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a safe, stable, and sustainable outer space environment. They reiterated adherence to the Outer Space Treaty, particularly its prohibition on placing nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies.
Promoting Responsible Behavior
The board emphasized the importance of international cooperation to foster responsible operations in space, reduce risks of miscommunication, and minimize debris creation. Participating nations reaffirmed their commitment to avoiding destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests and discussed advancing transparency and confidence-building measures through United Nations initiatives.
Looking Forward
As the space domain grows more competitive, contested, and congested, CSpO nations aim to become increasingly agile, resilient, and interoperable. The Principals pledged to continue working collaboratively to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space, promote responsible behaviors, and seize opportunities to support global economic, scientific, and security interests.
The CSpO Initiative remains steadfast in preserving access to space for all, safeguarding its vital contributions to life on Earth, and advancing collective progress in a rapidly evolving space age.
Strengthening Readiness and Alliances: General Kevin B. Schneider's Strategic Vision for the Indo-Pacific
General Kevin B. Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces and Air Component Commander for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, emphasized the complexity and growing importance of the Indo-Pacific region in a recent address. This vast area faces increasing challenges from adversaries like China and North Korea, whose actions in the maritime and air domains are a significant concern. Particularly since the Taiwanese president's inauguration, China has escalated its assertiveness, using both advanced airpower like the H6N bomber and ballistic missiles, which had been dormant for decades.
A key concern for Schneider is that provocative actions by China and North Korea are not directed at the U.S., but at its allies in the region. These unprofessional maneuvers, such as incidents involving Canadian, Australian, and Japanese aircraft, demonstrate an alarming disregard for international norms. In response, the U.S. military is focused on countering these provocations through diplomacy and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to de-escalate tensions and ensure safer interactions in the skies.
Schneider stressed the need for increased capabilities to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the region as both China’s and North Korea’s missile capabilities continue to expand. With more than 50% of the globe’s surface area falling within the Indo-Pacific, the region’s vastness poses a unique challenge for maintaining security, requiring strong partnerships with allies. Schneider noted the importance of collaboration among the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army, with air and land forces playing a particularly influential role in projecting power and countering threats.
The concept of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) has become a core strategy for the U.S. Air Force, moving away from reliance on fixed bases and instead focusing on the rapid deployment of aircraft in more flexible and austere locations. This agile approach allows for more effective operations in contested environments, demonstrating the evolution of U.S. military capabilities in the region.
One of Schneider’s key observations is the shift in global dynamics since 2015, with new opportunities emerging for U.S. engagement in previously inaccessible locations. This expansion is mirrored by an evolving network of alliances and partnerships, especially with countries like Vietnam, Japan, and Australia. Schneider highlighted Vietnam's recent purchase of T-6 aircraft and the increasing involvement of smaller nations in joint military exercises, signaling a more inclusive and multilateral approach to regional security.
Schneider also underscored the growing importance of deterrence, particularly through long-range strike capabilities. The presence of U.S. bombers in the Indo-Pacific is a cornerstone of this deterrence strategy, ensuring adversaries understand the U.S. can project power when and where needed. Additionally, he noted that U.S. alliances are based on trust, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared values—factors that distinguish American partnerships from the transactional, less trustworthy relations between China, Russia, and North Korea.
In discussing readiness, Schneider emphasized the ongoing need for investment in maintenance, training, and operational capacity. While recognizing the challenges posed by budget constraints, he underscored the moral obligation to ensure U.S. forces are always prepared to support both the joint military and international partners.
Ultimately, Schneider's vision for the Indo-Pacific focuses on enhancing the U.S. Air Force’s readiness, strengthening alliances, and adapting to an increasingly complex and contested security environment. The evolving strategy aims to ensure the U.S. remains capable of responding to threats and maintaining stability in one of the most critical regions of the world.
WORLD NEWS
Rebel Forces Capture Hama, Threaten Key Syrian Territories
Rebel forces led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of Ha’yat Tahrir al-Sham, have seized control of Hama, Syria’s fourth-largest city, despite efforts by Syria, Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah to prevent their advance.
The Syrian army confirmed its withdrawal from the city as rebels now push toward Homs, a critical stronghold for President Bashar al-Assad's government.
Jolani, whose group is classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S., declared his intent to overthrow Assad. Thousands are fleeing Homs amid escalating conflict. Separately, the Islamic State has reportedly regained control of some areas in Syria’s east, signaling a resurgence of instability.
The Growing Threat of Space Warfare: Russia’s Nuclear Anti-Satellite Program and Global Implications
In February 2022, U.S. Space Command detected Russia's launch of Cosmos 2553, a satellite that entered a high-altitude orbit, prompting concerns about a new Russian military program aimed at potentially deploying a nuclear weapon in space. While the satellite itself is not armed, it carries a dummy warhead, suggesting it is part of a broader effort to develop space-based weapons capable of disabling global satellite networks. These satellites, crucial for everything from military operations to weather forecasting, are vulnerable to disruption by such weapons.
Space has transitioned from a peaceful domain to a militarized one, with the U.S., Russia, and China developing advanced anti-satellite technologies, including missile systems and robotic satellites. The idea of a nuclear detonation in space—while catastrophic—remains a possibility, threatening not only military operations but also civilian infrastructure on Earth, such as communications, banking, and supply chains.
The development of space weapons, combined with outdated international treaties like the Outer Space Treaty and Limited Test Ban Treaty, has created a dangerous environment of rising tensions and limited regulation in space. With more nations investing in satellite systems, including SpaceX’s Starlink and plans from China and Amazon, the space economy is booming but also more vulnerable to military threats. The growing militarization of space calls for urgent international cooperation, better space traffic management, and stronger treaties to prevent catastrophic space warfare. The future of global stability hinges on addressing the mounting dangers in space before it’s too late.
Russia to Sign Security Treaty with Belarus Amid Growing Tensions
Russia will sign an interstate treaty with Belarus on security guarantees within the framework of the Union State, using all available forces and means, said President Vladimir Putin at the Union State summit in Minsk.
In other words, Belarusian men will be shortly going on a trip to Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Rutte Addresses Russia’s Cybersecurity Threats in Recent Statement
Romanian Constitutional Court Cancels Presidential Election, New Round to Exclude Pro-Russian Candidate
The Romanian Constitutional Court has annulled the recent presidential election, calling for a repeat of the process starting from Round 1. This follows the disqualification of the pro-Russian candidate, who is expected to face arrest for treason.
Diana Sosoaca and Victor Ponta, two prominent pro-Russian politicians who supported Georgescu’s presidential bid, have fled Romania and sought refuge in Doha.
Clinton Reflects on Arafat's Rejection of Peace Deal
In a recent video, former President Bill Clinton explained to young people who are sympathetic to Palestinians “what Arafat walked away from.” He shared how Yasser Arafat declined a peace deal that would have established a Palestinian state with a capital in East Jerusalem, and included 96% of the West Bank. The revelation often leaves younger audiences in disbelief.
Japan and Philippines Sign $10 Million Security Assistance Deal
Japan and Philippines signed a security assistance agreement worth over $10 million yesterday, under which Japan will provide equipment to enhance maritime surveillance. This deal comes amid ongoing maritime disputes with China in both the East and South China Seas.
BJP Accuses U.S. State Department of Targeting India Through OCCRP
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged on social media that the U.S. State Department is targeting India by funding the investigative journalism group, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). OCCRP has published articles critical of India’s business conglomerate, the Adani Group, whose leader has recently faced U.S. indictments. In response, OCCRP stated that its editorial process remains independent. Neither the Indian foreign ministry nor the U.S. State Department has provided immediate comments on the matter.
OPEC+ to Slow Production Increases Amid Oversupply Concerns
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) announced plans to delay and slow down previously planned production increases, citing concerns about oversupply. In recent years, non-OPEC+ producers, including the United States, have gained prominence in global oil supply. According to the International Energy Agency, oil markets are expected to face a surplus next year, even if OPEC+ refrains from adding any additional barrels.
McKinsey to Pay $122 Million in Anticorruption Settlement
Consulting firm McKinsey has agreed to pay $122 million to authorities in two countries following revelations from an anticorruption probe. According to the prosecution agreement, the company paid bribes to secure consulting contracts worth millions of dollars with South African state-owned enterprises.
Poland Leads NATO in Defense Spending with Over $11 Billion in U.S. Support
The financing will support Poland in modernizing its military, according to the Polish defense minister. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland has become the NATO member allocating the highest percentage of its gross domestic product (GDP) to defense. U.S. loans and guarantees to Poland over the past two years now exceed $11 billion.
Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski discussed Putin’s ambitions at the recent OSCE meeting.
President Macron to Appoint New Prime Minister Amid Government Crisis
President Emmanuel Macron pledged to appoint a new prime minister in the coming days, one who could form a government representing a broad mix of parties. Macron faced calls to step down after his government collapsed earlier in the week but rejected these demands in his speech yesterday.
Bahamas and Mexico Reject U.S. Deportation Proposal
Officials from the Bahamas and Mexico both stated yesterday that they did not agree with a proposal put forward by U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump for them to accept third-country deportees.
UN Condemns Afghanistan's Ban on Women’s Private Medical Education
The UN human rights office has condemned Afghanistan’s ban on women receiving private medical education, stating that it “puts the lives of women and girls at risk in multiple ways.” Afghanistan already faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, and the restriction could further exacerbate the situation.
PM ACTUAL NEWS LIVESTREAM (12/6/24)
That’s it from me for now. Thank you so much for reading. Have a peaceful weekend!
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